Where to File Your Disability Claim in Texas

You file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration, not through the state of Texas. Texas does not run its own disability program — you must contact Social Security directly, either online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

The Social Security Administration has field offices throughout Texas. You can find the one nearest you by visiting ssa.gov and using their office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Many people start online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, which lets you begin your claim from home and return to it later if you need to.

If you prefer to file in person, bring a photo ID and your Social Security card to your local office. Staff there can walk you through the process and answer questions about what documents you will need. You can also call to schedule an appointment, which often reduces wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • You file for federal disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, not through Texas — use ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office.
  • The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability lets you start at home and save your progress, and you can finish it later or by phone.
  • You will need medical records, work history, and proof of your Social Security number and identity — gather these before you start.
  • The decision process typically takes three to five months for the initial information, and many claims are denied on the first try and require an appeal.

What Documents You Need Before You Start

Social Security will ask for proof of your identity, your Social Security number, and detailed information about your medical condition and work history. Bring or have ready your birth certificate, driver's license or passport, and Social Security card. If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

You will also need to list all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers who have treated you for your condition. Include the dates you saw them and the reason for each visit. Social Security will contact these providers directly to request your medical records, so accuracy matters — if you list the wrong clinic name or address, the request may not reach them.

Have your work history ready, including the names and addresses of employers from the past 15 years, the dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or profit-and-loss statements. Social Security uses this information to determine whether you have worked recently enough to be insured for SSDI.

Online process vs. Phone or In-Person Filing

The online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability is the fastest route for most people. You can complete it in sections over several days, and your progress saves automatically. The form asks about your medical condition, work history, and daily activities. You can upload documents directly or mail them later. When you finish, Social Security sends you a confirmation number.

If you file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak with a claims representative. They will ask the same questions as the online form and take notes. This route works well if you have questions while you are filing or if you are not comfortable with computers. The call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Filing in person at your local Social Security office means you sit with a representative who fills out the form with you. This is the best option if you need help understanding questions, if you have complex medical or work history, or if you want to hand over documents in person. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.

What Happens After You File

After you submit your process, Social Security sends you a receipt notice with a claim number. Keep this number — you will use it to check the status of your claim online at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will contact your doctors and employers to verify the information you provided.

The initial decision usually takes three to five months, though some cases take longer if your medical records are incomplete or if Social Security needs more information from your doctors. You may receive a letter asking you to provide additional details or to attend a medical exam paid for by Social Security. Respond to these requests promptly — ignoring them can delay or deny your claim.

If Social Security approves your claim, you will receive a notice showing your monthly benefit amount and your start date. If they deny it, you have the right to appeal. Most people who are denied on the first try are approved on appeal, especially if they have a lawyer or representative helping them. You have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to file an appeal.

SSDI vs. SSI: Which Program You May may have access to For

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. You must have worked recently enough and long enough to have earned enough work credits. The amount you receive is based on your earnings record, and there is no limit on how much money or property you can have. SSDI also gives you access to Medicare after you have been on the program for two years.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with low income and few resources. You do not need a work history to may have access to. Your monthly payment is smaller than SSDI, and you must have less than $2,000 in countable resources (the limit is $3,000 for a couple). SSI also makes you when ready may be able to access for Medicaid in Texas, which covers medical care.

You can file for both programs at the same time. Social Security will determine which one you may have access to for based on your work history and financial situation. If you have worked but do not have enough credits, you may get SSI while you wait for SSDI. If you may have access to for both, you receive SSDI first, and SSI makes up the difference if your SSDI payment is below the SSI limit.

Work Incentives and Continuing to Work While You Wait

You can continue working while your claim is being decided. If you earn more than $1,550 per month (the 2024 limit; this amount changes yearly), Social Security may consider you not disabled, but you can still file and appeal. Some people work part-time while waiting for a decision, and if you are approved, you may be able to keep working under SSDI work incentives.

Once you are approved for SSDI, you can use the Trial Work Period, which lets you work and earn any amount for nine months without losing your benefits. After the trial work period ends, you enter the Extended may be able to access Period, during which you can work but your benefits stop if you earn over the monthly limit. You can also use Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) to deduct certain costs related to your disability from your earnings.

These work incentives are complex, and using them incorrectly can cost you benefits. If you plan to work while on SSDI, contact your local Social Security office or a work incentives planning organization in Texas before you start. These organizations offer free counseling on how to work without losing your benefits.

Getting Help With Your process

You can file on your own, but many people hire a lawyer or accredited representative to help. These professionals know what medical evidence Social Security looks for and can help you gather it. They also handle appeals if your claim is denied. You pay them only if you win — the fee is 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, contact a legal aid organization in Texas. Many offer free help with disability claims. You can also contact a disability advocate or a work incentives planning organization, which provide free or low-cost help. The Social Security Administration maintains a list of approved representatives on their website.

If you have questions while filing, call 1-800-772-1213. Social Security staff can explain what documents you need, answer questions about your work history or medical condition, and help you understand the process. They cannot tell you whether you will be approved, but they can make sure your process is complete and accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for disability while I am still working?

Yes. You can file while working, and you can continue working while your claim is being decided. If you earn more than the monthly limit ($1,550 in 2024), Social Security may initially deny your claim, but you can appeal. Many people work part-time while waiting for a decision.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

You do not need to gather them yourself. When you file, list the doctors and hospitals that have treated you, and Social Security will request your records directly. If a provider is slow to respond, Social Security may contact them again or ask you to follow up. Incomplete medical records can delay your decision, so provide accurate names and addresses.

How long does it take to hear back after I file?

The initial decision usually takes three to five months. Some cases take longer if your medical records are incomplete or if Social Security needs more information. You can check the status of your claim online at ssa.gov/myaccount or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What should I do if my claim is denied?

You have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to file an appeal. Most people who are denied on the first try are approved on appeal, especially with help from a lawyer or representative. You can request a reconsideration (a new look at your case), a hearing before an administrative law judge, or both.

Do I need a lawyer to file for disability?

No, you can file on your own. However, lawyers and accredited representatives know what evidence Social Security looks for and can strengthen your case. They are especially helpful if your claim is denied and you need to appeal. You pay them only if you win, and the fee is capped at $7,200.